WINDSOR (June 13, 09): We farm. We grow things. People eat the food or use the products that we grow, and that, in itself, is an exciting process. We deal
with natural things: the weather, the insects, the soils, and such dicey matters as things that decompose in the night. We also deal with manure, death,
life, and beauty! Its a big cycle of emotions that we work through; many times, many emotions, throughout a day.
Keeping that in mind, human interactions can either be a breath of fresh air or an interruption. Lately, there have been lots of breaths of fresh air. Our
human interactions with customers and friends have been filled with chances to share knowledge.
More than 20 years ago, I began to frequent the poultry shows at fairs. I met members of the Central Maine Bird Fanciers organization because I was interested
in poultry. I had grown some of my own, for my family's use --- eggs, meat, and pleasure. My children and my wife enjoyed the lives and antics of hens
and roosters, turkeys, geese, and ducks. At the poultry shows, and in the Bird Fanciers, I met many people who shared this interest and enjoyment --- poultry
of many different sorts. I learned about breeds, pure for show of course. I learned about habits of various species and I learned much about the friendships
that sharing knowledge can create.
The interest of late in local food has offered yet another chance to share knowledge. People interested in raising poultry for the first time stop and ask
questions. People coming to buy produce want to know about growing methods, about ideas for eating new and different foods, and about the practices on
our farm and what our opinions are of other farming practices.
This inquisitiveness offers a chance to share knowledge and discuss some of what's happening here and around the world in farming communities and its a
joy to offer what we know, trade opinion, and listen to others sharing their stories.
Now, in towns and cities across the state and country, urban and in-town gardens are again springing up. The movement to bring chickens back into town is
flourishing and people are relearning skills that many of their grandparents took for granted. Over a number of generations it seems that people have gradually
disconnected from the land and their food. I really believe that sharing, asking questions, and learning can again reconnect the people, the land, and
our food. Its exciting and really quite exhilarating to be involved in the process here in Maine.
posting from Emma's Family Farm,
Windsor Maine;
Steve Hoad
See what we're doing on the Farm at
http://twitter.com/TheHoads
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